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Production Supervisor Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Production Supervisor interview questions and answers.

  1. What sorts of production and time management software have you used before, and what did you think of them? See answer
  2. How would you solve a dispute between two employees that is negatively impacting the workplace? See answer
  3. An employee is not using the necessary protection equipment. How do you handle it? See answer
  4. Can you tell me about your experience in working in a manufacturing environment?
  5. Can you tell me a little about what HACCP is and how to apply it to the workplace?
  6. What would you do if you notice that an employee is consistently underperforming at their production job?
  7. What is your strategy for monitoring scheduled production activity?
  8. In your previous job, describe the software you used frequently.
  9. Tell me about the approach or approaches you use for handling disruptive employees.
  10. Some of the products in the daily batch are not up to your employer’s quality standard. It’s almost the end of your usual working day. How do you handle it?
  11. There is too much rivalry among some of your production team members, and it’s having a negative effect on their performance. Describe a strategy you would use to fix this issue.
  12. Tell me about your experience in using approaches such as Lean Practices and Six Sigma.
  13. Describe your experience in handling large teams.
  14. We hire our production personnel for personality and abilities. Tell me about any of the natural qualities that make you an efficient production supervisor.
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6 Production Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

Can you tell me about your experience working in a manufacturing environment?

A:

Asking this question in an interview makes sure that your production supervisor candidate understands the manufacturing side of the job. When you ask this question, you can get them to tell you about any machinery, equipment and processes they are aware of. This helps you to find out if the candidate has the knowledge they need to properly supervise production and train new employees. What to look for in an answer:

  • Familiarity with production equipment
  • Experience with manufacturing
  • Ability to do more than just supervise others

Example:

“In the past, I’ve worked as a production assistant, so I know how to operate manufacturing equipment and finish products.”

Q:

What sorts of production and time management software have you used before, and what did you think of them?

A:

This question tells you about the technical skills that the candidate has. Asking them to tell you a little about what they thought of the product instead of just having them list software names lets you assess how proficient the applicant actually is. If their answer indicates that they like the applications your company already uses, they are more likely to be a good fit for the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to learn multiple software types
  • Willingness to use technology
  • Knowledge of what software is helpful at your workplace

Example:

“I’ve used both Google Apps and various products in the Microsoft Suite. I particularly enjoyed the ability to manage employee schedules with Microsoft StaffHub.”

Q:

Can you tell me a little about what HACCP is and how to apply it in the workplace?

A:

Not every position will need to include this question, but if you are looking for someone to supervise production in the food industry, it is essential. Asking about hazard analysis and critical control points lets you see whether or not the candidate is aware of regulations for keeping consumables safe. Discussing methods to apply the HACCP system lets you learn a little about how the supervisor would function at work. What to look for in an answer:

  • Extensive knowledge of HACCP principles
  • Recognition of the importance of keeping food safe
  • Ability to uphold HACCP with workplace policies

Example:

“HACCP is essential in making sure we produce safe food. It involves identifying control points and keeping food safe from contamination at these points.”

Q:

What would you do if you notice an employee is consistently underperforming at their production job?

A:

During the interview, you need to use this question to learn a little about the candidate’s supervisory skills. It is helpful because it shows you how the person would supervise in a challenging situation. This question helps you discover their general style and see if it will complement your company’s goals. It also allows you to learn whether the candidate values building employee relationships or meeting production goals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to boost employee performance
  • Ability to tactfully give negative feedback
  • Focus on solving the problem, not punishing the employee

Example:

“I would solve the issue by identifying problems, giving the employee clear objectives, offering solutions for meeting these targets and providing incentives for better performance.”

Q:

How would you solve a dispute between two employees that is negatively impacting the workplace?

A:

This question is an important test of a person’s ability to supervise. As a production supervisor, they will need to have the diplomacy to navigate a lot of workplace politics and deal with strong personalities. How they reply to this question can tell you whether they have the firmness and confidence needed to lead a team of employees. Their response also gives insight into their ability to solve problems. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in following company policies for conflicts
  • Desire to improve workplace environment
  • Firmness and no-nonsense attitude

Example:

“I’d talk to both sides separately and give them a chance to resolve the conflict themselves. If that didn’t work, I’d step in to maintain order on the production line.”

Q:

An employee is not using the necessary protection equipment. How do you handle it?

A:

Production supervisors oversee employees on a production floor in addition to equipment and work processes, so being able to maintain compliance with relevant safety laws, regulations and policies is an essential skill. An employer can use this question to identify candidates with the experience and skills to maintain a safe working environment. An ideal production supervisor candidate will articulate a good strategy to fix safety issues.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

  • Awareness of the need to comply with safety rules
  • Ability to connect with a worker even during a difficult situation
  • Leadership, problem-solving and communication skills

An example answer to this question can look like this:

Example:

"I would immediately schedule a meeting with the employee. There, I would explain the necessity for using protection equipment and complying with all safety laws, policies and regulations. I would use my communication skills to motivate the worker and ensure compliance with safety requirements in the future. After the meeting, I would monitor the worker and take further action if necessary to maintain a safe workplace."

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